There’s nothing Rima wouldn’t do for family and friends and, when needed, there was nothing that they wouldn’t do for him.
From building a large ramp so he could get out of the house, to running a 24/7 care roster, Rima’s extended family were there for him – just as he had been for them.
Each month Rima’s family meet over lunch to connect, share food and pass down stories.
It’s a big and growing family – Rima’s siblings, wife, children, and 10 grandchildren and great grandchildren. All are connected with a genuine family love and respect.
“Dad was very kind and understanding. He was happy and loved his family,” say his five children Leanne, Mele, Michelle, Mareta, and Moko.
“Dad was very much a family man not only for us but for his siblings, extended family and his friends. He would give the shirt off his back, money in his wallet, car to use and the list goes on.”
Married for 55 years, Rima and Shirley met at the Adam’s Bruce Chocolate Factory in College Street. He had not long arrived in New Zealand from Rarotonga.
Rima would tell his children the story of living in Rarotonga in a two-room house with a verandah, and a shed out the back for cooking. He was one of 15 siblings. Transport around the island was horse and cart.
He was a great dancer, and performed on the tourist boats that came to Rarotonga.
In Wellington, Rima worked at the paint shop at Todd Motors in Petone and Porirua, had cleaning jobs, and worked at Porirua College teaching Cook Island language to year 9 and 10 students, even taking them on a two-week trip to Rarotonga.
Rima also worked as a senior Mental Health Support Worker at Wellington and Kenepuru hospitals until he was no longer able to work.
Rima was never idle. He was a talented sewer with his sewing machine always set up and ready to go. He made wedding dresses for his daughters, his own suits, bridemaids’ dresses, and school shirts. When he went to ‘Island dos’ the girls always had new dresses.
“If he was watching tv he would be crocheting or knitting. We used to have a beautiful garden too,” says Shirley. Rima loved to work his taro patch, and tend to the lemon and grapefruit trees.
Rima spent the last three weeks of his life at Mary Potter Hospice. After a meeting with the Hospice, attended by all the family, Rima agreed to go in to the inpatient unit at Newtown.
“When we got to Mary Potter they were waiting for us, even though it was late. We got there and Rima was shown to his room and he said, ‘this feels like home.’
“The staff were brilliant – every single one of them. We continued our regular shifts on our roster. He was in high spirits. He would joke with the staff.”
Once Rima was settled the family brought things from home for his room. A photo of Shirley, a hoodie top he liked, and photos of colourful island flowers.
“You could ask the staff any questions about what we should expect and they would explain. They gave you peace of mind. If you weren’t sure about something you’d just push the button and they’d come.
“The Hospice made the process easier for us. It’s bad enough that you’re coping with your loved one going through this. We were tired. But we didn’t have to worry about looking after ourselves – the Hospice took care of that too.”
“Mary Potter left an amazing impression on us. They were able to show us how to care, bathe, and feed him. The guard of honour from the staff when we pushed his bed out of his room was simply a perfect farewell.”
“Our family is forever grateful – we thank you Mary Potter Hospice for your kindness and compassion.
“Dad had a good life. It has come with its ups and downs but there is nothing Dad wouldn’t have changed. All of us are Dad’s legacy. The traditions, customs, memories, the stories will be with us always for us to pass down.”
Keeping Hospice going involves a whole community. Just as we looked after Rima and his extended family, we need your help to look after and support Mary Potter Hospice.
We can’t do what we do without you, please donate today.